Camarim Arquitectos’ House in Gateira

This nature-inspired dwelling sits upon a quaint hamlet and offers an inspiring view of Serra da Estrela’s crests and valleys without appearing out of place or out of time. The spacious abode is spread out in a shallow, stepped hill, providing each downward floor an uninterrupted view of the landscape below, and has its own door to let one traverse outside.

Notable for the natural way it embraces the slope, the house uses its grounded layout as a way for warmth and natural light to fill the living room, the dining area, the spacious pool, and the patio, where fresh air freely circulates, coming from the pine and olive-dotted valley below.

Entering from the topmost floor, you’re greeted by a white and silver living room with wide windows that will move you to direct your gaze outside. Every room is a wonder in thermal insulation, owing to its separation from other floors and the general form of the house hugging the earth.

Moving around, you will see that a point has been made to keep things segregated, and yet, all levels remain intimate and social. This is the successful creation of a space that fluidly runs down the side of the shallow hill, taking advantage of the architectural elements already present in Gateira’s landscape. Dwellers can have socialization when wanted, but when isolation is needed, there is enough space and silence to evoke a natural calm.